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Overview

I am a writer and a qualified copy-editor and proofreader. As a trained freelance copy-editor and proofreader, I am meticulous and flexible, and I offer an editorial service covering all areas of written material and publications. I have copy-edited and proofed novels, non-fiction books, memoirs, essays and newsletters as well as many other types of documentation.

Portfolio (35 selected works)

In 1688, torn by rebellions, England lives under the threat of a Dutch invasion. Redheaded Calumny Spinks is the lowliest man in an Essex backwater: half-French and still unapprenticed at seventeen, yet he dreams of wealth and title. When his father’s violent past resurfaces, Cal’s desperation leads him to become a coffee racketeer. He has just three months to pay off a blackmailer and save hi... read more

In 1688, torn by rebellions, England lives under the threat of a Dutch invasion. Redheaded Calumny Spinks is the lowliest man in an Essex backwater: half-French and still unapprenticed at seventeen, yet he dreams of wealth and title. When his father’s violent past resurfaces, Cal’s desperation leads him to become a coffee racketeer. He has just three months to pay off a blackmailer and save hi... read more

October 'Pick of the Month' winner, Donovan's Bookshelf.Contains the prizewinning story: 'The Receptionist' (Spinetinglers). The mysterious Mr Prite introduces us to thirteen more tales. He leads us through ghostly encounters, supernatural events and rather unfortunate happenings. Unfortunately, our guide may not be all he appears.

October 'Pick of the Month' winner, Donovan's Bookshelf.Contains the prizewinning story: 'The Receptionist' (Spinetinglers). The mysterious Mr Prite introduces us to thirteen more tales. He leads us through ghostly encounters, supernatural events and rather unfortunate happenings. Unfortunately, our guide may not be all he appears.

Meet successful London property developer Daniel Martins. He has everything a man could want: his own booming business, the luxury pad, the expensive sports car... all at the tender age of 25. But should he appreciate this more because he is black? Daniel doesn't think so, as far as he is concerned, his hard work warrants his position. Gone are the days where by default, black men are seen as ... read more

Meet successful London property developer Daniel Martins. He has everything a man could want: his own booming business, the luxury pad, the expensive sports car... all at the tender age of 25. But should he appreciate this more because he is black? Daniel doesn't think so, as far as he is concerned, his hard work warrants his position. Gone are the days where by default, black men are seen as ... read more

The best collection of military, espionage, and adventure stories ever told. The Dialogue Espionage Classics series began in 2010 with the purpose of bringing back classic out-of-print spying and espionage tales. From WWI and WWII to the Cold War, D-Day to the SOE, Bletchley Park to the Comet Line this fascinating spy history series brings you the best stories that should never be forgotten. '... read more

The best collection of military, espionage, and adventure stories ever told. The Dialogue Espionage Classics series began in 2010 with the purpose of bringing back classic out-of-print spying and espionage tales. From WWI and WWII to the Cold War, D-Day to the SOE, Bletchley Park to the Comet Line this fascinating spy history series brings you the best stories that should never be forgotten. '... read more

Klop Ustinov was Britain's most ingenious secret agent, but he wasn't authorised to kill. Instead, he was authorised to tell tall tales, bemusing and beguiling his enemies into revealing their deepest, darkest secrets. From the Russian Revolution to the Cold War, he bluffed and tricked his way into the confidence of everyone from Soviet commissars to Gestapo Gruppenfuhrer. In Klop: Britain's M... read more

Klop Ustinov was Britain's most ingenious secret agent, but he wasn't authorised to kill. Instead, he was authorised to tell tall tales, bemusing and beguiling his enemies into revealing their deepest, darkest secrets. From the Russian Revolution to the Cold War, he bluffed and tricked his way into the confidence of everyone from Soviet commissars to Gestapo Gruppenfuhrer. In Klop: Britain's M... read more

A complete and accurate picture of the seige of Liège, using both Belgian and German sources In August 1914 the German main attack was conducted by the 2nd Army. It had the missions of taking the vital fortresses of Liège and Namur, and then defeating the Anglo-French-Belgian forces in the open plains of northern Belgium. The German attack on the Belgian fortress at Liège had tremendous politi... read more

A complete and accurate picture of the seige of Liège, using both Belgian and German sources In August 1914 the German main attack was conducted by the 2nd Army. It had the missions of taking the vital fortresses of Liège and Namur, and then defeating the Anglo-French-Belgian forces in the open plains of northern Belgium. The German attack on the Belgian fortress at Liège had tremendous politi... read more

A fugitive bomb maker dies in a police ambush in Marseille… A global terrorist collective meets in Paris to plan an attack on a European target… The terror cells have been activated and elite bombers from ETA and the Real IRA are already making their move, intent on using a device that will cause carnage on an unimaginable scale. Their motivation has its origins in a purpose shared decades ear... read more

A fugitive bomb maker dies in a police ambush in Marseille… A global terrorist collective meets in Paris to plan an attack on a European target… The terror cells have been activated and elite bombers from ETA and the Real IRA are already making their move, intent on using a device that will cause carnage on an unimaginable scale. Their motivation has its origins in a purpose shared decades ear... read more

A historian and sailor describes how 16th-century voyages from England to the Americas were made When a ship set out for the Americas in the 16th century, the crew faced a long voyage and a host of difficulties along the way. Ship-building, navigation, and provisioning were all crucial to the vessel actually arriving in the New World, which was by no means guaranteed. In order to reach her des... read more

A historian and sailor describes how 16th-century voyages from England to the Americas were made When a ship set out for the Americas in the 16th century, the crew faced a long voyage and a host of difficulties along the way. Ship-building, navigation, and provisioning were all crucial to the vessel actually arriving in the New World, which was by no means guaranteed. In order to reach her des... read more

In 1973, Labour MP Dick Taverne caused a national sensation when he stood against his own party as an independent to win a historic by-election in Lincoln. Demonstrating tIn 1973, Labour MP Dick Taverne caused a national sensation when he stood against his own party as an independent to win a historic by-election in Lincoln. Demonstrating the power of the individual against party politics, his... read more

In 1973, Labour MP Dick Taverne caused a national sensation when he stood against his own party as an independent to win a historic by-election in Lincoln. Demonstrating tIn 1973, Labour MP Dick Taverne caused a national sensation when he stood against his own party as an independent to win a historic by-election in Lincoln. Demonstrating the power of the individual against party politics, his... read more

Maeve Binchy meets Jackie Collins' in this unputdownable rollercoaster read, filled with action, adventure and romance. Escaping to a remote Irish isle, journalist Marianne Coltrane had not bargained for a tumultuous affair with movie star Ryan O'Gorman. When Ryan leaves to pursue his career, Marianne remains to care for those who need her most, but Ryan soon realises he cannot live without he... read more

Maeve Binchy meets Jackie Collins' in this unputdownable rollercoaster read, filled with action, adventure and romance. Escaping to a remote Irish isle, journalist Marianne Coltrane had not bargained for a tumultuous affair with movie star Ryan O'Gorman. When Ryan leaves to pursue his career, Marianne remains to care for those who need her most, but Ryan soon realises he cannot live without he... read more

As the crusade reaches its apex, Lord Solar Macharius is drawn by a prophecy to the world of Demetrius in search of an ancient artefact - the Fist of Demetrius. Rumours and legends abound of the artefact's providence as a weapon of a primarch, the lords of the Horus Heresy. With it, Macharius believes his success and victory is assured but others crave this potent weapon, and the dark eldar wi... read more

As the crusade reaches its apex, Lord Solar Macharius is drawn by a prophecy to the world of Demetrius in search of an ancient artefact - the Fist of Demetrius. Rumours and legends abound of the artefact's providence as a weapon of a primarch, the lords of the Horus Heresy. With it, Macharius believes his success and victory is assured but others crave this potent weapon, and the dark eldar wi... read more

Inequality in Britain is on the rise. Does this matter? Should we be bothered that the rich give proportionately much less than the poor? And that only a small minority of the very wealthy are giving generously? Ninety per cent of NHS trusts are restricting routine operations. Youth unemployment is at record levels. Meanwhile, those on the Sunday Times Rich List have increased their wealth by ... read more

Inequality in Britain is on the rise. Does this matter? Should we be bothered that the rich give proportionately much less than the poor? And that only a small minority of the very wealthy are giving generously? Ninety per cent of NHS trusts are restricting routine operations. Youth unemployment is at record levels. Meanwhile, those on the Sunday Times Rich List have increased their wealth by ... read more

Violets & Vines has been written alongside Deborah’s evolving relationship with God, and a growing understanding that though the situations written about are not always considered extreme, they are more common than realised. The love she found with God through her faith was the impetus to assist her in moving forward, gaining strength, finding her self-esteem and regaining her confidence, allo... read more

Violets & Vines has been written alongside Deborah’s evolving relationship with God, and a growing understanding that though the situations written about are not always considered extreme, they are more common than realised. The love she found with God through her faith was the impetus to assist her in moving forward, gaining strength, finding her self-esteem and regaining her confidence, allo... read more

So who is Louis Van Gaal? An inflexible ex-PE teacher who only knows how to act like a dictator or a footballing visionary that has made him one of the greatest ever European managers? Wherever he has gone, Van Gaal has been accused of being a domineering disciplinarian and a control freak. He is certainly, by his own admission, a man who leaves nothing to chance. A disciple in the 1970s of Ri... read more

So who is Louis Van Gaal? An inflexible ex-PE teacher who only knows how to act like a dictator or a footballing visionary that has made him one of the greatest ever European managers? Wherever he has gone, Van Gaal has been accused of being a domineering disciplinarian and a control freak. He is certainly, by his own admission, a man who leaves nothing to chance. A disciple in the 1970s of Ri... read more

Old rivalries - new friendships - dangerous decisions. Set in 16th Century Scotland Munro owes allegiance to the Cunninghames and to the Earl of Glencairn. Trapped in the 150-year-old feud between the Cunninghames and the Montgomeries, he escapes the bloody aftermath of an ambush, but he cannot escape the disdain of the wife he sought to protect, or his own internal conflict. He battles with h... read more

Old rivalries - new friendships - dangerous decisions. Set in 16th Century Scotland Munro owes allegiance to the Cunninghames and to the Earl of Glencairn. Trapped in the 150-year-old feud between the Cunninghames and the Montgomeries, he escapes the bloody aftermath of an ambush, but he cannot escape the disdain of the wife he sought to protect, or his own internal conflict. He battles with h... read more

If you live your whole life being who everybody else wants you to be, how do you know who you really are?Nineteen-year-old Aaron Rutherford is already reeling from the loss of his mother, when the unexpected revelation of a dark secret from her past changes his world forever.Forced to question everything that he has ever believed, should he simply follow the path that has been laid out for him... read more

If you live your whole life being who everybody else wants you to be, how do you know who you really are?Nineteen-year-old Aaron Rutherford is already reeling from the loss of his mother, when the unexpected revelation of a dark secret from her past changes his world forever.Forced to question everything that he has ever believed, should he simply follow the path that has been laid out for him... read more

Three lives. Two women. One last chance for happiness. Catherine has a high-flying medical career, a doting husband and a beautiful home in London. Yet none of these things matter without the baby that she is desperately longing for. Five thousand miles away in rural India, Kalpana has nothing but the clothes on her back. Yet she is determined to give her children the life that they deserve. W... read more

Three lives. Two women. One last chance for happiness. Catherine has a high-flying medical career, a doting husband and a beautiful home in London. Yet none of these things matter without the baby that she is desperately longing for. Five thousand miles away in rural India, Kalpana has nothing but the clothes on her back. Yet she is determined to give her children the life that they deserve. W... read more

‘When you must face Maxwell, give evidence before the King. Have you thought on that?’ ‘If I do not face Maxwell, I will not be able to face myself.’ Clan feuds, skullduggery and medieval warfare, in this turbulent tale of 16th century Scotland and France. Ayrshire 1597. The truce between the Cunninghame and Montgomerie clans is fragile. And for the Munro family, living in hiding under assumed... read more

‘When you must face Maxwell, give evidence before the King. Have you thought on that?’ ‘If I do not face Maxwell, I will not be able to face myself.’ Clan feuds, skullduggery and medieval warfare, in this turbulent tale of 16th century Scotland and France. Ayrshire 1597. The truce between the Cunninghame and Montgomerie clans is fragile. And for the Munro family, living in hiding under assumed... read more

“I wanted to write a book that helps the PMO professional understand where their knowledge levels are, how to become the best they can be in their current role and also demonstrate what is required to reach the next stage of the PMO career path.” - Mark Readman Throughout my IT career I have been a consultant, so there is always an expectation when taking up a new assignment that I should be f... read more

“I wanted to write a book that helps the PMO professional understand where their knowledge levels are, how to become the best they can be in their current role and also demonstrate what is required to reach the next stage of the PMO career path.” - Mark Readman Throughout my IT career I have been a consultant, so there is always an expectation when taking up a new assignment that I should be f... read more

Death is not the end for Jason Drake. Because of the murder he committed in life, hell awaits him. But Jason is not concerned about his own soul, he wants a chance to save his daughter, and give her back the life that was taken away too soon. A demon offers him this chance, if he plays her simple game. Why would God create such a thing? A creature without pity, remorse or compassion. A demonic... read more

Death is not the end for Jason Drake. Because of the murder he committed in life, hell awaits him. But Jason is not concerned about his own soul, he wants a chance to save his daughter, and give her back the life that was taken away too soon. A demon offers him this chance, if he plays her simple game. Why would God create such a thing? A creature without pity, remorse or compassion. A demonic... read more

With his masterful first collection, multiple-award-winning author Ted Chiang deftly blends human emotion and scientific rationalism in eight remarkably diverse stories, all told in his trademark precise and evocative prose. From a soaring Babylonian tower that connects a flat Earth with the firmament above, to a world where angelic visitations are a wondrous and terrifying part of everyday li... read more

With his masterful first collection, multiple-award-winning author Ted Chiang deftly blends human emotion and scientific rationalism in eight remarkably diverse stories, all told in his trademark precise and evocative prose. From a soaring Babylonian tower that connects a flat Earth with the firmament above, to a world where angelic visitations are a wondrous and terrifying part of everyday li... read more

From honeymoon to heart transplant. One week after their wedding, on a remote honeymoon island, Lauren was told her husband Andrew had suffered six heart attacks and had hours to live. The local medical centre lacked the equipment to keep him alive and there was no plane to a specialist hospital for several days. This is the inspirational and emotional true story of a normal young couple and t... read more

From honeymoon to heart transplant. One week after their wedding, on a remote honeymoon island, Lauren was told her husband Andrew had suffered six heart attacks and had hours to live. The local medical centre lacked the equipment to keep him alive and there was no plane to a specialist hospital for several days. This is the inspirational and emotional true story of a normal young couple and t... read more

Prepare yourself for a journey into the unexpected. Two strangers share an illicit passion following a chance encounter in a coffee shop; an aeroplane cabin sets the scene for an unlikely redemption; a demonic conspiracy complicates the familiar story of the faithful dog Hachiko; a costumed woman stands in the rain at a bus stop. The stories and poems in A Suspicious Collection collide the wei... read more

Prepare yourself for a journey into the unexpected. Two strangers share an illicit passion following a chance encounter in a coffee shop; an aeroplane cabin sets the scene for an unlikely redemption; a demonic conspiracy complicates the familiar story of the faithful dog Hachiko; a costumed woman stands in the rain at a bus stop. The stories and poems in A Suspicious Collection collide the wei... read more

Rula Lenska's is an extraordinary life. Born in Britain to Polish aristocrats, refugees from the Nazis and then the Soviets, Rula found fame in the 1970s as 'Q' in the TV series Rock Follies. Shortly afterwards, she accidentally conquered America with the infamous VO5 hair advert, prompting Johnny Carson to ask 'Who the hell is Rula Lenska?' The world soon found out exactly who she was, as her... read more

Rula Lenska's is an extraordinary life. Born in Britain to Polish aristocrats, refugees from the Nazis and then the Soviets, Rula found fame in the 1970s as 'Q' in the TV series Rock Follies. Shortly afterwards, she accidentally conquered America with the infamous VO5 hair advert, prompting Johnny Carson to ask 'Who the hell is Rula Lenska?' The world soon found out exactly who she was, as her... read more

On a spring day in 1954 young Oxford medical student Roger Bannister became the first man to run a mile in under four minutes. In this frank memoir, Sir Roger tells the full story of the talent and dedication that made him not just one of the most celebrated athletes of the last century but also a distinguished doctor, neurologist, and one of the sport's best-loved public figures.This rare and... read more

On a spring day in 1954 young Oxford medical student Roger Bannister became the first man to run a mile in under four minutes. In this frank memoir, Sir Roger tells the full story of the talent and dedication that made him not just one of the most celebrated athletes of the last century but also a distinguished doctor, neurologist, and one of the sport's best-loved public figures.This rare and... read more

The first book to draw upon new files from the British National Archives, it also features interviews with veterans from both sides of the conflict to expose the truth behind the Batang Kali massacreThe Malayan Emergency (1948-1960) was the longest war fought by British and Commonwealth forces in the 20th century. Today this "war without a name" is largely forgotten, though it had a powerful a... read more

The first book to draw upon new files from the British National Archives, it also features interviews with veterans from both sides of the conflict to expose the truth behind the Batang Kali massacreThe Malayan Emergency (1948-1960) was the longest war fought by British and Commonwealth forces in the 20th century. Today this "war without a name" is largely forgotten, though it had a powerful a... read more

Achilles and Ajax are dead and the hope of the Greeks has died with them, leaving the army restless for their homes and threatening rebellion. Then a series of oracles appears, utterances from the gods that must be fulfilled if Troy is to be defeated and the war brought to an end. Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks, knows that only one man has the courage and intelligence to complete the tasks se... read more

Achilles and Ajax are dead and the hope of the Greeks has died with them, leaving the army restless for their homes and threatening rebellion. Then a series of oracles appears, utterances from the gods that must be fulfilled if Troy is to be defeated and the war brought to an end. Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks, knows that only one man has the courage and intelligence to complete the tasks se... read more

Take an up-for-anything reporter. Add a world-weary photo-journalist. Put them together . . . light the blue touch paper and stand well back! Posing as a bride-to-be, Charlee Montague goes undercover at a boot camp for brides in order to photograph supermodel Anastasia Markova. At Charlee’s side and posing as her fiancé, is Rafael Ffinch award winning photographer and survivor of a kidnap atte... read more

Take an up-for-anything reporter. Add a world-weary photo-journalist. Put them together . . . light the blue touch paper and stand well back! Posing as a bride-to-be, Charlee Montague goes undercover at a boot camp for brides in order to photograph supermodel Anastasia Markova. At Charlee’s side and posing as her fiancé, is Rafael Ffinch award winning photographer and survivor of a kidnap atte... read more

Anthology of short stories revealing the untold tales of the Underworld War.The Heresy came to Calth without warning. In just a few hours of betrayal and bloodshed, the proud warriors of the XIIIth Legion – Guilliman’s own Ultramarines – were laid low by the treachery of their erstwhile brothers of the XVIIth. Now, as the planet is scoured by solar flares from the wounded Veridian star, the su... read more

Anthology of short stories revealing the untold tales of the Underworld War.The Heresy came to Calth without warning. In just a few hours of betrayal and bloodshed, the proud warriors of the XIIIth Legion – Guilliman’s own Ultramarines – were laid low by the treachery of their erstwhile brothers of the XVIIth. Now, as the planet is scoured by solar flares from the wounded Veridian star, the su... read more

Everything looked bleak until......the situation took a turn for the worseIn the realm of the fey, humans are hated.And Coal is a human in love with an elf who is about to become Queen. Princess Chalcedony may not be as set on tradition as he thinks.Before Coal and Chalcedony can unravel their feelings for one another, their lives are changed forever, and both will have to make terrible choice... read more

Everything looked bleak until......the situation took a turn for the worseIn the realm of the fey, humans are hated.And Coal is a human in love with an elf who is about to become Queen. Princess Chalcedony may not be as set on tradition as he thinks.Before Coal and Chalcedony can unravel their feelings for one another, their lives are changed forever, and both will have to make terrible choice... read more

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished . . .After saving a human child, Coal is not only exiled from the fey realm, but he is sentenced to six months in a juvenile detention center in the human realm. They think he kidnapped Elizabeth instead of rescuing her. He can't exactly tell the truth. Because the truth would incriminate his best friend turned worst enemy, Queen Chalcedony. But being exiled isn't ... read more

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished . . .After saving a human child, Coal is not only exiled from the fey realm, but he is sentenced to six months in a juvenile detention center in the human realm. They think he kidnapped Elizabeth instead of rescuing her. He can't exactly tell the truth. Because the truth would incriminate his best friend turned worst enemy, Queen Chalcedony. But being exiled isn't ... read more

Knock ’em Cold, Kid is the autobiography of award-winning Welsh writer Elaine Morgan. Born in the Rhondda Valley in 1920, Elaine vividly describes the relationship between her father and mother as they coped with life on the dole. Her grammar school decided to groom her for the Oxford entrance exam and she entered Lady Margaret Hall in 1939. It was a very different world from the one she knew,... read more

Knock ’em Cold, Kid is the autobiography of award-winning Welsh writer Elaine Morgan. Born in the Rhondda Valley in 1920, Elaine vividly describes the relationship between her father and mother as they coped with life on the dole. Her grammar school decided to groom her for the Oxford entrance exam and she entered Lady Margaret Hall in 1939. It was a very different world from the one she knew,... read more